You are here

Hardy, Wilson join Bazzle's coaching staff at A-C

Two Newton-Conover assistant coaches have left the school to take positions under former Red Devils coach Nick Bazzle at Alexander Central.

Matt Wilson and Greg Hardy have left their posts with the Red Devils to join Bazzle's staff with the Cougars.

Newton-Conover coach Brint Russell said Wilson's decision to leave was a difficult one.

"You have to feel for Matt because he was put in a tough spot with his father being over here, being pulled by family, yet being pulled by his alma mater," Russell said. "I’m sure that was a very tough decision for him. We had talked about how tough a position he had been put in. At the end of the day, just as we’ve all been taught, family comes before work. I think it is a great opportunity to go and continue his coaching career with his dad. Matt is a good young coach. I think he is going to do really well at Alexander Central.”

Russell said that Hardy's decision to go was because of his dedication to Bazzle, as well as other reasons.

“Greg has coached for the same coach for many years," he said. "He has that respect with coach Bazzle and wanted to be with him at Alexander Central. I think his decision may have been more financially driven than Matt’s decision was to leave. Both of them bettered their family situations financially. You never question a guy when he does something to benefit his family.

Ulimately, Russell wishes both men the best in their new positions with the Cougars.

"I’m happy for both of them," he said. "I’m happy for coach Bazzle at Alexander Central. Obviously, he knows he is getting two good coaches. Those guys will go up there and do a great job.”

To read more of this story, pick up the weekend edition (Saturday through Monday) of Catawba County's community newspaper, The Observer News Enterprise, at newsstands throughout the county.